DIY moves may take some more work on your end, but there are plenty of reasons why many people prefer and choose them. For example, instead of a waiting period between 2-14 business days, you will always know where your belongings are and have them as soon as you get to your new home. That means no wait time for things like your bed and other important items you’d prefer to have upon arrival. It’s also the most affordable option for most standard moves.
So if you’re planning a DIY move anytime soon, we want to help make it the easiest one yet. Today we’re sharing our top 10 ways to making your next move smooth and stress-free:
- Always start with less. As always, we suggest starting by cutting down on the amount of items you’ll be moving. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have clutter and unused items to unpack. Go through and simplify your belongings and take a large donation to your local drop off.
- Digital Organizers. Try using spreadsheets or an online organizer like this Relocation Dashboard on Notion to keep track of all important information. Track things like names and numbers of contractors, information for utility setup, box contents, and financial information. (Pro tip: this is a great task to give your personal OR virtual assistant!)
- Schedule Ahead. Anything and everything that can be done in advance, go-ahead and schedule out to avoid missing out on rentals and contractors you might need. Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring moving help, or need any installs done to your new place before you move in, the earlier the better!
- Moving Boxes. Get regular boxes from Facebook, smaller boxes from liquor stores, and invest in specialty boxes from Lowes, Home Depot, and Uhaul. You will always need more moving boxes, so get more than you’ll ever expect to need! When you’re buying boxes, we suggest purchasing at Uhaul because they will buy any unused boxes back from you.
- Pack Well. It’s unlikely that anything has ever broken because of over-packing—you’re truly better safe than sorry when it comes to fragile items.
- Pack Smart. Get the most out of everything you own when packing. Use towels, linens and soft home items for extra padding in boxes with fragile items.
- Be smart with where you get help. If you can only hire a few services, we suggest these: hiring movers on the front end to load your truck in the safest and securest form, and hiring a personal assistant to help pack your belongings securely. The better packed your moving truck and boxes are, the less you have to worry about your items shifting or being damaged in transit. You can find moving labor help through Hire A Helper and packing help through a specialized assistant company (like MOD!).
- Be Early. Plan to get up and start your move early—especially in the Summer months. The later in the day you wait, the hotter it will be which can make for dangerous moving conditions. No matter what, prepare for yourself and your moving help by keeping plenty of hydrating drinks and filling snacks within reach.
- Separate Essentials. Be sure to pack a few boxes and suitcases full of essentials in the car with you. This might include your personal items, bedding and towels for your first night, cleaning supplies, snacks and drinks, things your pets will need, and something for celebration!
- Prepare, prepare, and prepare some more! It’s never too early to start getting ready for your move. As soon as you know it’s happening, begin taking steps. Rent equipment, hire help, and enlist friends first of all. Then start by decluttering your entire house and making a packing plan.
So if you’re preparing for your move, don’t let anything be an afterthought. And rest assured knowing that, if done well, a DIY move is a cost-effective and time-efficient option. By following these steps and putting in the necessary preparation, your DIY move can be a successful and stress-free experience. Enjoy the excitement of settling into your new home knowing that you took control of the process and made it the best move yet!
